NHS Grampian innovators take ideas to next level in competition
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The winners of a NHS Grampian innovation competition have been announced with judges surprised to discover that two out of the three came from a single talented department.
The contest – organised in conjunction with formal NHS partner InnoScot Health – sought to draw out the best ideas from the local workforce, whether simple or complex, for improving patient care across Grampian’s half a million population with prizes on offer for the standout entrants.
Launched back in April at the Celebration of Excellence event, the competition was aimed at stimulating innovative thinking to help improve patient care while laying a platform for fresh economic opportunities for NHS Grampian.
The overall winner was Rachel Allanach, speech and language therapist (SLT) from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary who impressed with an innovation which provided a seating solution to assist acute and community therapists working with patients.
From the same department, Clare Tarr – a fellow speech and language therapist – also stood out with her fresh approach to helping staff undertake flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), an advanced skill during which a thin, flexible instrument passes through the nose.
FEES training is currently hampered by limited numbers of SLTs with skills in this area, lack of resource to fully support training and learning needs, in tandem with the expense of courses. Clare’s idea will help to hone greater SLT expertise in a cost-effective manner.
Consultant radiologist Dr Arnab Rana BSc (Hons) (Med Sci), MBChB, FRCR, FRCP – also from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary – was further recognised for his radiology referral management submission.
His artificial intelligence-based idea aims to optimise patient management by directing referrals through the most appropriate route, enhancing speed and effectiveness of care for each individual.
Staff were encouraged to submit ideas from mid-April to the end of May with an iPad, DAB radio and £10 Costa Coffee gift card part of the incentives offered.
Leigh Mair, innovation manager at InnoScot Health, said: “The competition was a real success which inspired lots of fantastic entries from the NHS Grampian workforce.
"It was really important for us to inspire and encourage staff to be part of shaping future care for this diverse region with its unique healthcare requirements.
“Congratulations go to Rachel for her winning seating solution which combined mould-breaking innovation with real practical benefits.
"It is considered a significant opportunity and exactly met the brief of expressing ideas on how the care which she and others like her could be improved.
“Likewise, Clare and Dr Rana displayed real ambition with their own submissions, both of which have huge potential which we will be supporting them to further develop.
“We firmly believe that absolutely anyone in the NHS workforce can use their own unique insights to become an innovator, and the competition has served to amply prove that ethos.
“Indeed, the Grampian model is now being replicated and rolled out across other health boards.”
Rachel Allanach said: "I believe that clinicians working in the NHS are naturally good innovators as working with patients constantly requires adaptive thinking and a problem-solving mindset.
"This competition felt like a great opportunity to recognise some of the innovative ideas that are out there and there were some great prize incentives.
"I have experienced first-hand from working across community and acute sectors that there's a need for portable and ergonomic seating for therapists to help them deliver their care to patients effectively and comfortably.
"This competition felt like an unintimidating way to share my idea and I'm so glad I applied."
